EFCC graduates 314 cadets of the Detective Superintendent Course

- The colourful passing out parade took place on Friday, May 11, at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) parade ground, Ribadu Campus, Kaduna

- The parade also climaxed 13 months of rigorous training to avail the officers with the necessary skills of law enforcement

A fresh batch of 314 detective superintendent have completed a thirteen - month long training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and passed out after a very colourful parade on Friday, May 11, at the academy Ribadu Campus.

This is coming months after a first batch of 189 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Inspectors passed out from the academy,

This brings the total number of EFCC operatives trained by the academy to 503, both in the Detective Inspector and Detective Superintendent cadre of the EFCC.

314 detective superintendent passed out at a very colourful parade after completing a thirteen - month long training. Photo credit: Facebook, Nigerian Army

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim K Idris, representing President Muhammadu Buhari, speaking at the passing out parade charged the cadets to see themselves as tools in actualizing the war against corruption in Nigeria.

He warned them to resist the temptations that would arise in the course of their service to the nation, noting that their being EFCC operatives doesn't make them immune from prosecution if they falter and take the path of corruption.

He further informed them that the only currencies they need in their career are integrity, dedication and the drive to rid Nigeria of corruption.

While congratulating them for the successful completion of their training, the IGP urged them to respect the rights of people and remain fearless, and to be professional in their conduct, paying attention to every detail.

He said: “It is appropriate to warn here that being operatives of the EFCC is not a haven for corruption. You are going to face a lot of temptations. You will be tempted to pervert the course of justice with monetary rewards and promises.

“I advise you to be above board and resist all the temptations. You must be contented with your salaries and allowances. Any of you who fails to heed this advice, will be hunted down, arrested and prosecuted as being officers of the EFCC does not confer immunity on you against arrest and prosecution.”

“In the area of conviction, I must say the EFCC has made extremely enviable achievements. In 2017, the Commission secured the conviction of over 189 cases of corruption, while in the first four months of this year, the EFCC has secured 89 convictions, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria", he said.

The newly graduated operatives were selected from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, through rigorous screening process that featured aptitude test, fitness test and oral interview.

The Detective Superintendent Course 7 comprises of 269 males and 45 females. The award of the Best Overall Cadet was given to E.C. Anele for excelling in all areas of the training including exceptional personality. The first runner was T.M. Badejo, while C.V. Opara was second runner up.

The EFCC Chairman’s award was given to S.A. Adegbua. They were all recognized for their exceptional performance in all written examinations and practical tests and for high degree of discipline, physical fitness and demonstrable leadership.

According to The Nation, he made the criticism at the Fifth Criminal Justice Reform Conference in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

The EFCC boss, who was represented by the EFCC’s head of legal services, Gbolahan Latona, accused lawyers of intimidating judges with “groundless petitions” and filing frivolous applications to stall cases.